Governor General David Johnston’s Last Week in Office

September 25, 2017

Governor General David Johnston’s Last Week in Office

OTTAWA—This is the last week of the seven-year mandate of Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston. They will spend this week thanking the many organizations and Canadians who have made their time at Rideau Hall so memorable and without whose help they would not have been able to achieve what they set out to do.

“It has been an immense privilege to serve as Canada’s 28th governor general,” said His Excellency. “Acting as The Queen’s representative presented unparalleled opportunities to give back to this country, which is in many ways the envy of the world. It is my hope that, in our effort to connect, honour and inspire Canadians here at home and around the world, Sharon and I have helped to build a smarter, more caring country for all.”

“The office of the governor general can be a powerful force for change in our society, and over the past seven years, David and I have worked on behalf of some very worthy causes,” added Her Excellency. “I look forward to continuing to serve as an advocate for mental health awareness and support in the years to come.”

Smart and caring were the guiding principles of Their Excellencies’ mandate, which focused on three core pillars: reinforcing learning and innovation; encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism; and supporting families and children. Canadians can consult this document to learn more about the highlights of their mandate: https://www.gg.ca/pdf/Mandate2010-2017.pdf.

Here are the last official events of Their Excellencies’ mandate:

Wednesday, September 27

10 a.m.Canadian Armed Forces Farewell Ceremony and ReceptionThe Canadian Armed Forces will pay tribute to their 28th commander-in-chief during a military parade. The Governor General will receive military honours including a 100-member guard of honour, a general salute, a CF-18 flypast and 21-gun salute. His Excellency will inspect the guard and will then deliver remarks to thank, for the last time as their commander-in-chief, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces for their remarkable service to their country.Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation ParkwayOPEN TO MEDIA - Media wishing to cover the military ceremony should arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.MEDIA CONTACT - Department of National Defence, mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca, 613-996-2353

Thursday, September 28

11:45 a.m.Laying of Cornerstone at the New Visitor Welcome Centre on Parliament HillThe Governor General will lay a cornerstone at the new Visitor Welcome Centre on Parliament Hill to underline the importance of public education about our national institutions and to mark the construction of the first new building on Parliament Hill in over a century. The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, will host the event, and the Speaker of the Senate of Canada and the Speaker of the House of Commons will be present. The stone is sourced from a 200-year-old quarry in Queenston, Ontario.Visitor Welcome Centre, Parliament HillOPEN TO MEDIA MEDIA CONTACT- Public Services and Procurement Canada, media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca, 819-420-5501

12 p.m.Farewell Reception on Parliament HillTheir Excellencies will attend a farewell reception hosted by the Honourable George J. Furey, Speaker of the Senate, and the Honourable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons. The speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons will deliver remarks to thank His Excellency for his years of service. Afterwards, His Excellency will also express his gratitude to the parliamentarians who play such an important role in our system of responsible government.Hall of Honour, Centre Block, Parliament HillOPEN TO MEDIA MEDIA CONTACT- Victoria Deng, Vicky.Deng@sen.parl.gc.ca, 613-995-2891

3 p.m.Ceremonial Tree Planting Commemorating the End of the MandateAs a final gesture, Their Excellencies will plant a white pine (pinus strobus) on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate the end of their mandate. Over 140 commemorative trees grace the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general of Canada. They mark visits by members of the Royal family, heads of State, dignitaries and past governors general.Main Drive, Rideau Hall Grounds OPEN TO MEDIA - Media wishing to cover the tree planting should arrive no later than 2:45 p.m.